Mrs. Woodrow asks why Tod wants to hide his good grades and intelligence. Tod claims that showing intelligence makes you a target in his neighborhood. Smart guys are bullied, and bad guys are in charge. His good grades are ignored at home. His house is old, small, and cold. Tod describes the compact layout of his home and claims that Dick often complains about Tod watching TV. On Sunday, Dick made eggs but didn't share. Tod's mother was sewing, so she sent Tod to the store for bread with the little money she had. She also let Tod use the old space heater to keep warm. Today, Tod tried to protect Luz's sphinx from a cold draft. Luz asked him to place sunglasses on the sphinx's face. Tod was confused but admits that he admires Luz's skill. Afterward, Tod went to the lunchroom where his friends were playing cards without him. The room felt strange, so he went to the library. Tod thanks Mrs. Woodrow for another sandwich.

Mrs. Woodrow writes that she will be absent tomorrow, so Tod will have the day off. Tod notices that she seems sad, so he tries to cheer her up.